Does Eating Onions Raise Testosterone?
Onions have been in people's meals for many years.It is a vegetable that is known to use and has many health benefits. Some research suggests that onions can increase testosterone levels. In this article, we'll review research on the effect of onions on testosterone.
Health benefits of onions
Onions contain many different nutrients such as antioxidants, flavonoids and sulfur compounds. Many of these compounds have health benefits. The antioxidant properties of onions may help protect cells against oxidative stress. Flavonoids can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Sulfur compounds may protect against cancer.
The effect of onions on testosterone
Some research shows that onions can increase testosterone levels. For example, a 2012 study found that giving onion juice to rats increased testosterone levels. However, it is unclear whether the results apply to humans, as this study was conducted only on animals.
In another study, a 2014 study found that men with erectile dysfunction (ED) consuming onion juice increased their testosterone levels. However, only a small sample was used in this study as well, and it is unclear whether the results apply to the general population.
It has been suggested that the sulfur compounds contained in onions may increase testosterone production. This is because sulfur compounds increase the activity of enzymes involved in testosterone production.
Many studies provide evidence that onions increase testosterone levels. However, many of these studies have been done on animals, and more research in humans is needed.
One study showed that rats had increased testosterone levels after taking onion extract ( 9 ). Another study observed a significant increase in sperm quality and testosterone levels after rats were fed a diet containing onion extract (10).
A human study showed an increase in testosterone levels in men who took onion extract 3 times a day for 4 weeks (11). Similarly, another study showed an increase in testosterone levels in men who took 500mg of onion extract daily for 6 weeks (12).
However, some studies have shown that onions' increase in testosterone levels is limited. In one study, no increase in testosterone levels was observed after rats ingested onion extract (13).
One study showed that drinking onion juice every day for 4 weeks increased testosterone levels. The testosterone levels of the men participating in the study increased from 3.76 ng/mL at the start of the study to 4.56 ng/mL at the end of the study. In addition, these men's sperm counts also increased.
However, some studies have produced different results on the onion's effect on testosterone levels. For example, one study showed that onions did not cause any changes in testosterone levels.
As a result, more research is needed to come to a firm conclusion about the effect of onions on testosterone levels. However, available data suggests that onions can increase testosterone levels.
- Akanni, O. O., & Oyeloja, A. A. (2016). Allium cepa (Onion) Extracts in Improving Testicular Function in Male Wistar Rats. Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, 1(1), 1-5.
In this study, it was stated that onion extracts increased testicular function of male Wistar rats and this increase was associated with an increase in testosterone levels.
- Oyelowo, O. T., Nwachoko, N., Ajibade, T. O., & Adeyemi, O. O. (2019). The Effect of Allium cepa (Onion) and Allium sativum (Garlic) on Serum Testosterone Levels and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Adult Male Rats. Journal of Advances in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21(2), 1-9.
In this study, it was stated that onion and garlic extracts increased the serum testosterone levels of male rats and also increased their total antioxidant capacity.
- Naghii, M. R., & Mofid, M. (2006). The Effect of Ginger and Onion Consumption on Sex Hormone in Infertile Men. The Scientific Journal of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, 3(3), 195-201.
In this study, it was stated that consumption of onion and ginger caused an increase in sex hormone levels and especially increased testosterone levels in infertile men.
